Mm, Mint Juleps.

Given that the Derby is this Saturday, I've been hitting the juleps pretty hard this week at various bars. Not that I'm big into horse racing, it's just provided me with an excuse to drink something I generally reserve as a seasonal enjoyment.

I'm curious...

What Bourbon do you use in your Mint Juleps?

I was pretty ardent in my stance, and used Woodford Reserve exclusively in mine. I found the spiciness of Woodford to stand up to the sugar and mint rather well. That was until a few nights ago when a bartender convinced me to try it with Basil Hayden's. It was not bad, not bad at all. Given the weaker ABV, the Hayden's absorbs all the flavor and forms a marriage with the sugar and mint. Very smooth, easy drinking, and has more of a tea-like quality. Woodford is still my favorite base, but I'm pretty alright with Hayden's if I were going for a more casual cocktail or were to recommend it to someone that's not much of a Bourbon drinker.

Re: Mm, Mint Juleps.

The mint julep is a good place for a bourbon that is at least 100 proof. Were I making one on Saturday, I'd probably reach for Wild Turkey 101, Very Old Barton BIB, Old Grand-Dad BIB or J.T.S. Brown BIB.

Re: Mm, Mint Juleps.

Originally Posted by cowdery

The mint julep is a good place for a bourbon that is at least 100 proof. Were I making one on Saturday, I'd probably reach for Wild Turkey 101, Very Old Barton BIB, Old Grand-Dad BIB or J.T.S. Brown BIB.

Do you prefer crushed or cubed ice? Crushed is clearly more traditional, but I take mine cubed. I always find the crushed ice to dilute my drink too quickly, and I feel kind of weird drinking a Bourbon slushy. In that sense, I'm not at all a purist. I also opt for simple syrup.

Re: Mm, Mint Juleps.

Ah, Mint Juleps. My all time favourite bourbon cocktail (or should I now say 'Shot'?)

Chuck, for me, you've hit the nail on the head with regards to how Mint Juleps should be consumed! I've always struggled with the concept of drinking them slowly, because to me, they taste so good I want to do more than just sip them. Plus once they get all watery, they taste like crap.

I've not experimented to much with making them,having tried Makers Mark, Woodford Reserve and Nelson County (a Heaven Hill bourbon). To date my favourite has been the Bill Samuels recipe for making an entire 750ml bottle of Julep to keep in the freezer. I'm not sure if it tastes better, but it sure as hell is convenient

Re: Mm, Mint Juleps.

I just got a bottle of the Maker's Mark Mint Julep
(66 proof) and it's very tasty. There is a "Perfect
MJ Cocktail" recipe on the side label but it's fine
on the rocks if you don't wanna go to the trouble
of adding a mint sprig and shaved ice. Even my
wife (who wants oh so badly to enjoy bourbon)
found it pleasant enough after adding a bit of
water.

Re: Mm, Mint Juleps.

Originally Posted by silverfish

I just got a bottle of the Maker's Mark Mint Julep
(66 proof) and it's very tasty. There is a "Perfect
MJ Cocktail" recipe on the side label but it's fine
on the rocks if you don't wanna go to the trouble
of adding a mint sprig and shaved ice. Even my
wife (who wants oh so badly to enjoy bourbon)
found it pleasant enough after adding a bit of
water.

Hit her off with a Manhattan made on the sweeter side, a splash of maraschino cherry juice will do the trick. Prepared that way, it serves well as training wheels for budding bourbon imbibers.

Re: Mm, Mint Juleps.

I planned to have my first mint jelup on saturday in honor of the derby so Friday night I went to the store for powdered sugar and saturday to the local market for fresh mint. I was also lucky enough to find a really nice silver plated cup at a local pawn shop to have it in. So I followed the directions as stated on here and mashed the mint and sugar in the bottom with a little woodford reserve added crushed ice and topped off with woodford. I must say I don't really care for mint jelups. I tried again with less sugar and a few more mint leaves but no dice. Maybe next year at derby time I will try again.

I was on the other hand happy to find the silver cup. it was listed for 13.50 and it was engraved with my citys 200 year anniversary. I asked if the price was right and asked if it was really pewter. He showed me the hallmark. Saying it was so cheap because it had been there four years.